SHILLONG, Jan 4: It is raining revenue from the bottle in the abode of clouds.
Kyrmen Shylla, the Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management, Social Welfare and Excise said the state earned revenue of at least Rs 250-crore from liquor during the tough pandemic phase.
“The revenue collection was stabilised through home delivery of liquor during the second lockdown,” the minister said, not ruling out a similar step with protocols if another lockdown happens.
Shylla said the revenue from the Excise department keeps fluctuating between Rs 250 crore and Rs 300 crore, but the team would try to contribute to the state exchequer as much it can.
Backing the decision of the state government to re-impose certain restrictions in Meghalaya, Shylla advised the people to heed these restrictions for their own safety.
He also said the government would explore ways of generating revenue from other sources if lockdown becomes inevitable.
“Lots of money without life is of no use but money will come if we have life. Whatever decision is taken by the government will be in the best interest of the public,” Shylla added.